Model year record

2001 Volkswagen Jetta

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 862 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V063000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component: Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Vehicles affected: 1,002,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2007-02-20
Owners notified: 2007-04-27

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

Safety risk

THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall campaignNHTSA 06V183000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component: Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Vehicles affected: 646,246
Reported to NHTSA: 2006-05-24
Owners notified: 2006-11-27

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.

Safety risk

THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V584000

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch

Component: Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Vehicles affected: 410,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-12-16
Owners notified: 2005-03-31

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCCURS DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOAD FROM HIGHER WATTAGE TURN SIGNAL BULBS.

Safety risk

THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V096000

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch

Component: Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Vehicles affected: 377,130
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-02-20
Owners notified: 2004-04-30

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.

Safety risk

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.

Manufacturer remedy

THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V244000

Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual

Component: Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected: 332,950
Reported to NHTSA: 2002-09-12
Owners notified: 2003-07-29

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

Safety risk

THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V031000

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected: 55,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2002-01-31
Owners notified: 2002-03-08

Defect description

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).

Safety risk

THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Air bags: side/window	58	68,300 mi
Electrical system: ignition	48	39,191 mi
Electrical system	46	44,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	45	54,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch	40	62,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	32	70,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	32	50,000 mi
Air bags	28	85,300 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	26	30,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	26	62,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	18	36,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly	17	33,200 mi
Seats	16	49,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	14	68,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights	14	76,000 mi
Unknown or other	14	100,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	13	47,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	12	50,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	12	25,000 mi
Structure: body: bumpers	12	890 mi
Structure: body	11	17,000 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch	10	55,555 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	10	57,855 mi
Vehicle speed control	10	74,000 mi
Engine	9	86,642 mi
Equipment	9	46,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module	8	51,120 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	8	25,000 mi
Fuel system, diesel	8	45,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler	8	64,221 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	7	85,300 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	7	95,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	7	23,000 mi
Structure	7	40,000 mi
Visibility	7	98,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal	6	84,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	5	57,855 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	5	19,900 mi
Structure: body: door	5	36,000 mi
Tires	5	115,487 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear	5	43,000 mi
Wheels	5	30,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	4	65,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	4	65,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	4	—
Exterior lighting	4	79,438 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	4	50,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit	4	25,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	4	62,000 mi
Power train	4	86,642 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module	4	70,222 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	4	23,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	3	45,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	3	5,689 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock	3	57,400 mi
Power train: manual transmission	3	28,000 mi
Service brakes	3	150,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum	3	23,440 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs	3	70,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	3	—
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly	3	32,460 mi
Visibility: windshield	3	—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	2	50,070 mi
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module	2	58,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	2	36,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	2	—
Equipment adaptive/mobility	2	68,737 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights	2	41,000 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: unit	2	41,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch	2	81,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	2	77,800 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors	2	—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	2	—
Fuel/propulsion system	2	130,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch	2	50,000 mi
Parking brake	2	57,855 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift	2	27 mi
Seat belts	2	—
Seat belts: front: anchorage	2	—
Seats: mid/rear assembly	2	20,819 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	2	1,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum	2	57,384 mi
Steering	2	—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	2	26,140 mi
Structure: body: hood	2	—
Structure: frame and members	2	52,000 mi
Suspension	2	95,000 mi
Visibility/wiper	2	85,673 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	2	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	2	91,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	1	—
Electrical system: ignition: switch	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	1	97,000 mi
Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)	1	29,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel	1	88,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)	1	—
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift	1	29,500 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch	1	109,895 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights	1	58,000 mi
Fuel system, diesel: storage: tank assembly	1	15,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	1	42,000 mi
Fuel system, other	1	57,855 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system	1	—
Parking brake: conventional	1	—
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	1	56,017 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift	1	78,965 mi
Power train: axle assembly	1	33,400 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal	1	19,000 mi
Power train: driveline	1	29,000 mi
Power train: driveline: driveshaft	1	—
Seat belts: front	1	—
Seats: front assembly: recliner	1	17,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock	1	57,855 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light	1	64,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module	1	10,800 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor	1	25,000 mi
Service brakes, electric	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: brake fluid low warning: lamp	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	1	1,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	1	40,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion	1	118,000 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments	1	41,000 mi
Structure: body: roof and pillars	1	68,000 mi
Structure: body: trunk lid	1	—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	1	—
Suspension: front	1	—
Suspension: front: control arm	1	60,000 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber	1	—
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	1	—
Suspension: rear	1	—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	1	109,895 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element	1	110,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	1	—
Wheels: rim	1	30,000 mi

The 2000 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 2002 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.